Middlesbrough are tracking Argentine scoring sensation Roberto Nanni - and the striker has admitted he could be tempted by a move to Europe.

Reports in Italy claim the Teessiders have joined the race to land the Velez Sarsfield star, who has 15 goals in 18 games in Argentina's current Torneo Clausura.

The 21-year-old striker has 36 goals from 70 games in total for his club and is expected to make the step up to full international level before long.

Boro's priority this summer is bolstering the midfield but without a prolific goalscorer in his ranks, Steve McClaren has already sounded out a move for Sunderland's Kevin Phillips.

The Boro boss will view the #3 million-rated Argentine as a better long-term investment than Phillips, 30 later this month and on offer at the same price.

And McClaren will be further encouraged by the news that Nanni holds an EU passport through his Italian father, removing the need for a work permit.

"The money is great in Europe but I like it at Velez and I get along with my coach and everyone at the club," said Nanni. "If a move comes about then great but I would not mind staying where I am."

Nanni's future is out of his own hands however, as cash-strapped Velez are desperate to offload their prize asset in an attempt to ease their crippling debts.

Lyon, Marseille and Olympiakos have expressed an interest, though the Greek outfit is unlikely to table a bid if they land top strike targets Marcin Kuzba, Lausanne's Pole on loan at Wisla Krakow, and Brazilian Ailton from Werder Bremen.

Meanwhile, Boro have also been credited with an interest in Roma's Greek international centreback Traianos Dellas, who spent two seasons at Sheffield United in the late 90s.